Fix: Windows 10 update error 0x800736b3

Windows Update feature is the essential part of the Windows 10 surrounding. In addition to regular updates, Windows 10 users can expect a lot from the major updates that are scheduled for release twice per year.

Nonetheless, even though the timely support has brought a lot of improvements, users still a multitude of issues with Windows Update and its features. One of those numerous issues is followed by the error code 0x800736b3. This specific error prevents downloading certain cumulative updates and mainly affects dotNet Framework. So, if you have an issue with this error code, we prepared a few workarounds worth checking out.

Fix – Windows 10 update error 0x800736b3

Solution 1 – Download offline dotNet Framework installer

On some occasions, the mentioned error can be related to the dotNet Framework failed installation. Besides updates, the lack of DotNet Framework can cause a lot of troubles with the all-around system behavior. So, your first step is to try and download the offline installer of the latest version.

Once the process is installed, check out the applications that utilize dotNet and see is the process functioning.

Solution 2 – Use DISM and system installation drive

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a built-in Windows tool which main function is to scan and repair corrupted files. In order to repair this specific error, you’ll need to obtain USB/DVD with Windows 10 setup. Some users tried with the standard update trough DISM, but the SXS file was missing. That is why you’ll need the setup media or ISO. Follow these instructions to resolve this issue:

Insert USB or DVD with Windows 10 installation (the same architecture as your current version).

The process will take the needed file and your issue should be resolved.

Solution 3 – Check your hardware

While software is the probable culprit for this issue, you should check out your RAM and HDD, also. There is a large variety of third-party tools you can use to check on HDD life and boot sector errors. Furthermore, you can use the similar tools to check the RAM health.

Solution 4 – Run the Update troubleshooter

Microsoft introduced a handy tool for resolving various system issues including update errors simply called the Troubleshooter. This tool is certainly something you should try when resolving these problems, because it can tweak the problem for you without big efforts from your side.

Here’s how to run the Update Troubleshooter in Windows 10:

Go to Settings.

Head over to Updates & Security > Troubleshoot.

Select Windows Update, and go to Run the Troubleshooter.

Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish.

Restart your computer.

Solution 5 – Run the SFC scan

If none of the previous solutions worked, let’s try a few troubleshooting tools. The first one is the SFC scan. This command-line tool scans your computer for potential issues, and resolves them if possible. So, it might be helpful in this case, as well.

Here’s how to run the SFC scan in Windows 10:

Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).

Enter the following line and press Enter:sfc/scannow

Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).

If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.

Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Solution 6 – Reset Windows Update components

According to users, sometimes this problem can be caused by Windows Update components. To fix the issue, you need to restart all Windows Update components manually. To do this, you just need to run a couple of commands in Command Prompt. To do that, just follow these steps:

Start Command Prompt as administrator.

When Command Prompt starts, run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop msiserver

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start msiserver

Solution 7 – Make sure the Windows Update service is running

The Windows Update service is an essential service for receiving updates. But on some occasions, it can crash and stop working. What you need to do is restart the service and see if there is an improvement in the Update protocol. Here’s how:

Go to Search, type services.msc, and open Services.

Find the Windows Update service. Right-click and open Properties.

On the General tab, find Startup type and choose Automatic.

If the service is not running, right-click and choose Start.

Confirm selection and close window.

Solution 8 – Make sure the BITS service is running

The same thing goes for another crucial service for delivering Windows Updates, Background Intelligent Transfer Service:

PressWindows key + R. In search line typeservices.mscand pressEnter.

Look forBackground Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)and double-click it to open its properties.

If the service isn’t running, click theStartbutton.

ChooseRecoverytab and make sure thatFirst failure and Second failureare set toRestart service.

Confirm selection and check for updates.

Solution 9 – Change DNS settings

According to Microsoft’s community forums, changing the DNS server address could the solution. So, that’s the workaround we’re going to try first. Here’s what you need to do:

In case your system shows signs of performance drop and the previous steps proved inadequate, you should reinstall the system from the scratch. You can use Media Creation Tool and create bootable USB or DVD drive setup. However, make sure you backed up files from the system partition and license key. The process is not lengthy as it looks and you don’t need any advanced knowledge to perform the reinstall.

Those were our solutions for this issue. In case you are having any thoughts or questions, please be free to share them with us in the comments.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2017 and has been since completely revamped and updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.